Pettigrew died in the hospital later as a result of the massive injuries that resulted. The driver of the SUV didn’t even notice that she had run over a bicyclist, but just kept on driving for over three miles to her home. Only later did she and her husband notice that there was a bicycle stuck underneath the SUV, and call the police. That’s the official story, at least.

Natasha Pettigrew was using transportation in accordance with her values, burning no fossil fuels to get where she was going. The driver of the Cadillac Escalade SUV that struck her was the only person in that huge vehicle.

Explaining her reason for running as a candidate for the United States Senate, Pettigrew wrote,

“When Americans are opposed to a particular course of action, our elected officials must not benefit themselves or other entities to our detriment. We must hold our elected officials accountable for the decisions they make on our behalf and we must let them know, with our votes, when we have had enough of being ignored. If I am given the privilege of being the next United States Senator for Maryland, not only will my door always be open to all, but I will come to you. It is impossible to represent the needs of Americans without asking them what they need. To reach some friends and neighbors, that may mean leaving Capitol Hill and taking the one to the many. I look forward to it…

What we do affects the lives of generations to come. By working together for the common good, instead of the many working to benefit the few, we can leave future generations a home to cherish, respect, and enjoy.”

Natasha Pettigrew did not live long enough to help create any future generation. If she is remembered, however, her work and her death can motivate others to create that better home that she envisioned.